Beneteau Developing Japanese-Inspired GT Models
Inspired by Japanese design principles, the French builder is revamping its Gran Turismo range, with the first new-look ‘crossover express cruisers’ to debut at Cannes.
Beneteau is developing a new-look series of Gran Turismo motoryachts, with the upcoming Gran Turismo 35 and 40 set to debut at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (September 9-14) before both models are joined by the Gran Turismo 50 at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 (January 17-25).
The French builder has described the new generation of Gran Turismo models as luxury ‘crossover express cruisers’. Designed “to meet the evolving needs of their customers”, the motoryachts include drop-down bulwarks and a 30 per cent increase in exterior space, according to Beneteau.
The vision for the new Gran Turismo range is to provide ‘villa living’ on the water, with owners and guests benefiting from thoughtful interior and exterior layouts offering numerous blended areas, ‘chill zones’, and continuous connection to the water.
Robert Chaffer, Beneteau’s Product Manager, explained that the new range was inspired by the Japanese design principles of kanso, focused on simplicity and minimalism, as well as yūgen, exhibiting profound grace and subtlety.
“The new Gran Turismo range is designed to be remarkable. With the new Gran Turismo range, we had the rare opportunity to start with a blank canvas, to strip back what ‘express cruiser’ means to its original roots, when express cruisers were sleek and beautifully proportioned craft,” Chaffer said.
“This rich heritage, and the adoption of the Japanese design principles of kanso and yūgen, have allowed the team to create a deceptively simple but powerful silhouette. This is further enhanced by how we’ve used the play of light to direct and enhance the exterior styling and interior tranquility.
“We listened to our customers and have embraced a minimalist, elegant approach that we’re confident will appeal to consumers who want the flexibility and opportunity to thrive and have fun on the water. We’re excited to see the reaction to the range when the models come to market later this year.”
While Beneteau is emphasizing a clean design, the yachts will be built to offer a ‘modern entertainment platform with dynamic looks’, with a focus on connectivity, high-end materials, and options for personalized finishes and details.
Using the same ethos that created the famous GT cars of the 1960s, the new models are also focused on providing a sports-based driving experience in terms of comfort, protection, responsive performance and range. Gyro stabilisation is among options.
Solar power and lithium batteries will help power electrical appliances on board, and be able to charge electric water toys and an electric dinghy motor, as well as inflate paddleboards.
Beneteau will also develop limited-edition Gran Turismo models in collaboration with Alpine, having earlier this year announced a new partnership with the automobile brand behind the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.
Eric LeVine, Beneteau’s Motor Yachts Sales Director, said: “This is an exciting time for Beneteau. Gran Turismo has been a hugely popular range for express cruising, showcasing our technology, performance and style, but there was a need to update and modernise the models for our core market.
“Designed with the consumer at its heart, the new range embodies our vision of ‘Sport-Lux’, providing open spaces with a premium feeling. The all new Gran Turismo range represents the ultimate crossover express cruiser.”